ANKENY, Iowa — Oktoberfest has been a beloved Des Moines tradition filled with food, music and plenty of beer. For the past two years, the annual festival has taken place at Des Moines Water Works Park, and before that, on 4th St. right across German restaurant Hessen Haus. However, this year’s attendees will find themselves in a new location: The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny.
The entertainment center features a multitude of restaurants, shops and hotels, and in September, it will welcome Oktoberfest celebrations.
When asked why organizers moved the venue, owner of Any Event Mindy Toyne said The District at Prairie Trail combines desirable aspects of both past locations: the vibrant city feel of 4th St. with the open green space of the park…